How to Discard a Fire Extinguisher

If you have a fire extinguisher that has been used or has expired, you may be tempted to just toss it in the trash. You should never put a fire extinguisher in the trash because it has pressurized contents and can leak toxic chemicals into the ground while in a landfill. In fact, expired or used fire extinguishers are hazard waste in many cities and counties across the United States.

Use the Fire Professionals website to local a fire safety dealer near you. The website has a directory for the U.S. and Canada.

Take your fire extinguisher that you want to discard to your local fire safety dealer. Alternatively, you can contact your local county public works department to see if its hazardous waste program will accept it.

Ask the dealer if your fire extinguisher is rechargeable. Some fire extinguishers can simply be recharged instead of discarded. Extinguishers labeled as "one-time use" cannot be recharged.

Request that the fire safety dealer dispose of your fire extinguisher if it is not rechargeable.